15-year-old takes gun to Raymer Elementary

3/23/2013

BY TAYLOR DUNGJENBLADE STAFF WRITER

A 15-year-old Raymer Elementary School student bought a gun on the street and took the loaded weapon to school Friday, police said.

The boy, an eighth grader, is being held in the Lucas County juvenile detention center, charged with carrying a concealed weapon, underage purchase of a firearm, possession of a defaced weapon, conveyance of a deadly weapon in a school zone, and violating the safe school ordinance.

He will likely have a detention hearing Monday morning, court officials said.

School officials were helping another student look for a jacket at 2:20 p.m. — about an hour before dismissal — when the assistant principal, Melissa Zervas, felt the weapon in the pocket of a sweatshirt, said Patty Mazur, Toledo Public Schools spokesman.

Officials contacted school resource officers, who took the .380-caliber handgun, police said.

Ms. Mazur said no threats were made.

Police added that the student did not brandish the gun; the student also told police he is not in a gang.

Ms. Mazur said the school’s principal, Barbara Ferguson, used the new parent-notification system to make calls to parents of Raymer students, informing them of the gun found at the school.

Students standing outside the school after dismissal were surprised to hear about the gun.